Mellékhallgatók

Mellékhallgatók refers to a specific category of students in the Hungarian higher education system. It translates roughly to "auditor students" or "extra-curricular students" and describes individuals who are permitted to attend university lectures and seminars without being formally enrolled in a degree program. This means they do not accrue credits towards a degree and do not typically participate in examinations for credit.

The status of mellékhallgató can be granted for various reasons. Some individuals may be seeking to deepen their knowledge in a particular subject without committing to a full degree, perhaps for personal enrichment or professional development. Others might be students enrolled in a different program who wish to take supplementary courses that are not part of their primary curriculum. In some cases, former students might be allowed to audit courses to refresh their knowledge.

Admission as a mellékhallgató is usually at the discretion of the university department or faculty. There may be tuition fees associated with auditing courses, though these are often lower than those for formally enrolled degree students. The precise regulations and conditions can vary significantly between different Hungarian universities and even between faculties within the same institution. This status does not grant the student access to student services or benefits typically provided to degree-seeking students.